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Bill Rogerson of the Aquatarium speaks at the Leeds-Grenville Economic Development Summit on Friday. Tom Lawler, left, of Eagle Point Winery and Robert Dalley of the Port of Prescott look on (ALANAH DUFFY/The Recorder and Times).

The developers of three major projects underway in the region touted the uniqueness of Leeds-Grenville yesterday as the reason why their businesses have great long-term prospects.

Under a discussion entitled ‘Game Changers for Leeds-Grenville,” Tom Lawler of CN-CA Eagle Point Winery in Mallorytown, Bill Rogerson of Brockville’s Aquatarium and Robert Dalley of the Port of Prescott gave updates on their respective developments at the 2012 United Counties Economic Development Summit, held here on Friday.

All three men said that the location of Leeds-Gernville was a motivating factor in securing investors, thus having an economic spin-off in the region.

“We haven't even started the first development, and (investors) are already thinking of the next five developments,” said Lawler, the project development manager for CN-CA Eagle Point Winery, which is owned by Chinese investors.

“They already have the game plan set for the next 10 years.”

Lawler said that the location of the winery was a key part in attracting investors. Currently, the winery is the only one in Leeds-Grenville.

The winery is already attracting connoisseurs from Ottawa, who he said used to have to drive to Prince Edward County to purchase Ontario wine.

The winery's grape planning began in 2007 and Lawler said that a public and private golf course and upscale homes are planned in the future.

Lawler said that the winery's owner, Du Zhongyi of Wuhai, China, was attracted to the small area for investment because of the staying power of staff.

“They're more dependable, they're more loyal and they do a better job for him,” Lawler said.

Lawler said that new jobs will be associated with the winery's expansion.

Robert Dalley, general manager of the Port of Prescott in Johnstown, said that the port has noticeable economic spin-offs in the area.

The port is currently expanding its dock to allow for more marine traffic.

“While there aren't a lot of jobs that are created directly, the revenues that we make at the port are put back into the local economy,” said Dalley.

While the port has always been used for grain transportation, Dalley said it is starting to be used for other cargo transportation, such as wind turbines.

The Port of Prescott generates about $2 million a year, Dalley said. In 2013, it is constructing an electrical substation.

“All the money we make goes back into products such as the substation,” Dalley said.

“That creates jobs and hiring contractors and engineers. It does create jobs, but not always directly.”

The Aquatarium will also have economic spinoff in the area, according to its executive director Bill Rogerson.

The $21 million Brockville facility will have a soft launch in June.

Rogerson said he sees it as a long-term tourist attraction.

“It really is designed to be a showcase for the entire region,” Rogerson said.

“So many people don't know the assets that we have here; we just need to let people know.”

FACTBOX

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT

In addition to the Leeds-Grenville economic update, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville’s annual Economic Development Summit explored a range of topics: